Page 121 of Maximus

Family.

God, I loved when he said that.

“Now you’re pissing me off. Yes, my family. You wanna talk about how you lost your shit over Ivy? My ass was stuck in the sandbox when she had you tied in knots, but the stories are legendary so don’t think I haven’t heard them a thousand times.” Another pause. “Perfect. Let me know when they deliver him.”

I heard Max blow out a breath and in my mind’s eye, I could see him raking his hands through his hair in frustration, something I’d witnessed a lot.

I set my brush on the vanity and made my way into the bedroom where Max was indeed combing his fingers through his hair.

“Hey.”

His head popped up from studying the floor and he glanced over at me.

“You look beautiful.”

“Thanks. Everything okay?”

“Yeah.” His brows lifted in question.

“You sounded a little agitated when you were talking to Zane.”

“Nothing for you to worry about.”

Silly man.

I walked closer and wrapped my arms around his middle, happy he was mine to touch this way anytime I wanted.

“It’s my pleasure to worry about you,” I told him and watched as his forehead unwrinkled. “You said it yourself, when you told me that the Blue Team was going to take Joshua back to Alaska that they were completely competent. You also told me, they were all hand-picked by Zane, as you all were because they were the best at what they did. You’re worrying for nothing. But I have to tell you, I love that you are. Says a lot about how much you want to protect us.”

“I love you, Eva, and the boys. Of course I’m going to protect you.”

Damn, I seriously loved Max Brown. It’s a crazy, irrational love that snuck up on me and invaded my life, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.

“I love you, too. Now tell me I’m gonna nail this interview.”

“You’re gonna nail this interview. They’re gonna love you and hire you on the spot.”

“From your lips to God’s ears.”

“Really, you’re perfect for the job, you have nothing to worry about.”

I wasn’t sure if I was perfect, I had no experience nannying but I had been a mom for six years so that had to count for some on-the-job experience.

“Perfect, right. Now kiss me, give me your keys, and walk me out so I won’t be late.”

“You’re becoming quite bossy.” His lips quirked and I gave up waiting for him to kiss me.

I rolled to my tiptoes and took what I wanted. Unfortunately, Liam came into the room before it could get heated.

“Max, are we still gonna practice pitching?” Liam asked.

This was something new. Liam had decided in the last forty-eight hours he was going to be a major league pitcher and Max had decided to indulge my son’s latest professional endeavor. I figured I’d let Max learn on his own that Liam changed his mind about what he was going to be when he grew up about twice a month.

With a final soft, sexy brush of his mouth, Max pulled back, grinning.

“Yep. Let me walk your mom out to the car and then we’ll go out back. Is Eli ready?”

“Yeah, he’s waiting by the door with his glove and bat.”